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Festive spirit returns as locals gather, bringing hope and joy after prolonged suffering from conflict.
Thousands gathered on Christmas Eve at the Manger Square. After two years of being suppressed by an ongoing war in Gaza, families reunited for the purpose of restoring joy and hope during the holidays. The celebrations were meaningful because they did not only represent a religious milestone but they also showed how resilient and innovative people could be when facing difficult times. Pope Leo XIV conducted his first Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. In this celebration, he spoke about the tremendous wisdom contained within the Christmas story.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the head Catholic authority in the Holy Land, led the group from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, emphasizing the idea of “a Christmas of Light.” The Christmas holidays were absent from Bethlehem this past year due to wars, but this year there is a return to Christmas with a large Christmas tree erected in Manger's Square, replacing the military nativity scene of the baby Jesus on rubble and barbed wire, representing the present suffering of the citizens of Gaza as well as the continuing hope that life will continue to grow in the darkest of times to account for the Gaza war Christmas news.
Approximately 80% of Bethlehem’s population works in the tourism industry as it is the primary source of income for most people living in Bethlehem; this economic downturn from the war severely affected the local economy and defense population. Government reports showed very few international visitors and Christian community from outside of Palestine, but some residents such as Georgette Jackaman (a tour guide) showed some positive signs that things would improve, as she said, “This is a happy day, a hopeful day and a hopeful time for the return to regular life in Bethlehem.”
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